Italian partners eye robots for shipbuilding
Robotic shipbuilding in Italy moved a step closer on 20 May, when Fincantieri and industrial automation specialist Comau announced a letter of intent to develop prototype autonomous steel welding solutions for shipyards.
The two Italian companies also agreed to co-operate on developing new technologies in a Digital Factory.
The first deliverable for Fincantieri shipyards, to be tested in the second half of 2022, will be ‘an anthropomorphic welding robot’ combined with a remote control tracked vehicle, the two companies stated.
Fincantieri and Comau will be co-owners of the intellectual property generated while developing the new concept design. At a later stage, they will explore the possibility of marketing this kind of welding product for shipbuilding and other ‘relevant business segments’ such as the construction industry.
More from Defence Notes
-
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.